Moments of Grace: Praying, Learning, and Growing in Faith

Disarming Our Hearts, Praying for Peace

On Monday evening, I celebrated our annual Mass for Peace in St. Mary’s Cathedral. While we had to cancel the Procession for Peace that usually precedes it because of the rain, many braved the inclement weather to attend the Mass, and I am grateful for their commitment to this opportunity to gather as a diocesan family to pray for peace. This year, our Mass for Peace took place on the actual anniversary of the final apparition of Our Lady at Fatima in 1917, where she urged the shepherd children to pray the rosary for peace.

In part of my homily, I explained that at the recent Jubilee of Marian Spirituality in Rome, Pope Leo XIV called attention to the last words of the Blessed Mother as recounted in the Gospel. While at the wedding feast at Cana, Mary, referring to Jesus, said to the servants, “Do whatever he tells you” (Jn 2:5).  And what does He tell us? Perhaps what He said in the Garden of Gethsemane to Peter after his arrest: put down your sword, put down your weapon. He is urging us to turn away from anything that causes injustice, division, and suffering. Peace will not come as a result of victory over an enemy, but as the fruit of forgiveness. Jesus is telling us to disarm our hearts of hatred or whatever will cause hurt. Instead, let us radiate love and peace and justice. Jesus also said, “Blessed are you, the peacemakers” (Mt 5:9), and so my prayer is that we all be instruments of peace.

I invited all those present to look at the beautiful image of Our Lady of Fatima brought into the Cathedral for the Mass and to bring their fears and anxieties to her, whatever was in their hearts and minds. Our Blessed Mother will bring these to Jesus. In faith, we know He will bring us His peace, and we, in turn, must help to spread it to the world.

A Celebration of Faith and Education: Former Celtic Gordon Hayward Joins FACE in Supporting Catholic Schools

On Thursday, November 6, former Boston Celtic Gordon Hayward will headline the 31st Annual Fall FACE Scholarship Dinner to support families whose children attend Catholic schools in our Diocese. (If you would like to attend the Fall Dinner, please register soon, as the deadline is October 23.)

You might ask, wasn’t there just a fundraiser for FACE this past summer? There was, but the need for tuition assistance persists throughout our Diocese. We know we cannot provide for every family that desires a faith-based education for their child, but we work tirelessly to help as many families as possible. Through these events and other forms of giving, many generous individuals, organizations, and families, who collectively believe in the transformational nature of a Catholic education, give so generously of themselves. Through their support, we can open the doors to our Catholic schools much wider by providing financial aid. 

Hayward recently converted to Catholicism.. We are excited that he will be the keynote speaker at this year’s dinner. His journey of faith is a powerful witness to the grace of conversion and the joy of finding Christ and His Church. As we gather to support Catholic education, his story reminds us how faith continues to inspire and transform lives.

What is World Mission Sunday? Why Does it Matter?

This week, we will observe World Mission Sunday on October 19. Through our prayers, sacrifices, and support, your generosity for this special second collection helps to bring the Gospel to places where hope and healing are most needed. By participating in the World Mission Sunday collection, we make possible the work of priests, religious, and lay catechists who carry Christ’s love to the farthest corners of the world. There, they teach the faith, care for the poor and sick, and proclaim the Good News. May our generosity reflect our faith in action and our commitment to be true witnesses of God’s mercy.

Sincerely,

+Bishop da Cunha